Career and technical education (CTE) has become pivotal in equipping students with the skills they need for workforce development and career readiness in the modern world. But did you know these valuable learning opportunities can start as early as kindergarten and extend through high school? With Perkins V funding, schools can integrate impactful CTE programs that prepare students for college and future careers, and innovative, hands-on tools from Sphero align seamlessly with these efforts.
In this article, we’ll explore how you can teach career-focused skills in all grades that will benefit students no matter which career path they choose in the future.
What Are CTE Skills and How Does Perkins V Funding Work?
Career and technical education (CTE) focuses on preparing students for in-demand careers through hands-on and practical learning experiences. These career-focused programs are integrated into academic education to help students develop technical skills, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and collaboration. CTE pathways expose students to real-world career opportunities, from engineering, robotics, agriculture, IT, and many more.
The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), signed in 2018, provides $1.4 billion annually for CTE programs nationwide. Eligible schools can use these funds to implement or enhance CTE initiatives that align with state-defined career pathways. One of the standout features of Perkins V is its flexibility, which now allows funding to support programs starting as early as 5th grade.
But why stop at 5th grade? With the right tools, you can begin developing CTE skills as early as PK, setting students up for long-term success.
Integrating CTE Skills Across PK–12
CTE isn’t just for high schools anymore. By introducing career readiness skills at earlier grades, schools can foster curiosity and foundational knowledge in STEM, problem solving, and design thinking that evolves over the years. Here’s how CTE skills can be incorporated throughout grade levels:
Early Childhood Education (PK–4)
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Focus: Exploration and play-based learning to boost creativity and critical thinking.
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Examples:
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Basic coding activities using pre-reader-friendly robots like Sphero indi for understanding problem solving.
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Introducing engineering concepts with building blocks and simple design challenges.
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Hands-on activities that connect STEM to real-world examples, such as understanding weather patterns or how plants grow.
Why it matters: Early exposure to STEM concepts lays the groundwork for more advanced learning later in life while fostering a love for discovery.
Middle Grades (5–8)
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Focus: Skill building and career exploration.
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Examples:
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Introducing coding and robotics via tools like Sphero BOLT+ or RVR+.
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Exploring subjects like cybersecurity, environmental monitoring, and mechanical systems through hands-on projects.
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Career exploration through industry-aligned projects, such as designing a prototype or building a simple app.
Why it matters: Middle school students begin to connect classroom learning to potential career paths, developing tangible skills while exploring their interests.
High School (9–12)
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Focus: Advanced CTE courses and career pathway preparation.
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Examples:
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Enrolling students in specialized CTE pathways like engineering, manufacturing, or information technology.
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Using Sphero RVR+ and Blueprint Engineering for project-based learning, such as programming autonomous vehicles, designing electromechanical systems, and learning about smart systems.
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Partnering with local businesses for work-based learning opportunities and internships.
Why it matters: High school CTE programs provide students with career-ready skills and certifications and allow them to graduate from school with a head start on their professional journeys.
By scaffolding CTE skills through PK–12, educators can ensure students grow academically, socially, and professionally throughout their educational careers.
Using Perkins V Funding to Expand CTE Programs
One of the standout features of Perkins V is its expanded scope to include middle grades, allowing districts to begin preparing younger students for future careers. Here’s how Perkins V funding can power the implementation of CTE programs:
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Curriculum Development: Design engaging, hands-on CTE courses aligned with state-recognized career pathways.
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Teacher Training: Provide professional development for educators to effectively deliver CTE instruction.
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Classroom Tools and Equipment: Invest in innovative, practical tools like Sphero, which seamlessly integrate into CTE pathways such as engineering, technology, and manufacturing.
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Workforce Alignment: Collaborate with local industries to ensure students are developing skills that meet workforce demands.
Additionally, Perkins V emphasizes accessibility and equity, ensuring these enriching programs are available to all students, including those from underserved communities.
Looking for funding opportunities? Below are some general guidelines for applying for Perkins V. Be sure to check out your state’s Perkins V resources to learn more about grant access and implementation.
Spring to Early Summer (typically March–June) is the prime application window. Here’s why:
State deadlines usually fall between April and June for the upcoming academic year (which starts July 1). Schools and local education agencies (LEAs) must submit their Local Application or Annual Plan to their state’s Department of Education or CTE office by then.
Key Perkins V Milestones
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January–February: Begin planning and assessing your needs. Align your request with your Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA), which is required under Perkins V.
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March–May: Complete your Local Application and budget proposal. Get stakeholder input and finalize program goals.
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May–June: Submit your application by your state-specific deadline.
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July 1: Perkins V funds for the new fiscal year become available.
How Sphero Products Align with CTE Pathways
From coding to engineering, robotics to data science, Sphero products bring excitement and hands-on learning to CTE programs while aligning perfectly with Perkins V funding requirements. Here’s how Sphero can contribute to your classrooms:
1. Mapped to Career Clusters
Sphero’s tools align with National Career Clusters such as:
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Engineering and Technology (mechanical design, prototyping)
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Information Technology (coding, cybersecurity)
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Manufacturing (automation, robotics engineering)
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Agriculture and Natural Resources (environmental monitoring, robotics in precision agriculture)
2. Project-Based Learning
Sphero also offers a library of free lessons that mimic real-world challenges. For example:
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Middle school students can use BOLT+ for a coding challenge to design a rescue robot.
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High school students can use RVR+ for autonomous navigation projects and Blueprint Engineering to replicate real-world engineering scenarios, including CAD, 3D printing, and prototyping.
3. Skill Development
Sphero tools foster essential CTE skills such as:
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Coding
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Computational thinking
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Collaboration
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Creative problem solving
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Design Thinking
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Utilizing the Engineering Design Process
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Prototyping
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and much more!
4. Funding-Friendly
Sphero products qualify for purchase with Perkins V funding, making them a practical choice for expanding your CTE curriculum.
With Sphero, educators receive access to lesson plans, educator guides, and professional development resources, ensuring successful implementation of these innovative tools.
Building a Future-Ready Generation
By integrating CTE programs from early elementary through high school, educators can nurture career-ready students who are equipped with the technical skills and creativity needed to thrive in the 21st-century workforce. With the support of Perkins V funding and tools like Sphero, creating engaging, hands-on CTE experiences has never been easier (or more fun!).
Are you ready to elevate your CTE programs? Book a meeting with a Sphero Expert to explore how our solutions can help you enhance workforce development, spark creativity, and inspire your students’ futures.